There is clear evidence that higher amounts of mite dust in houses are associated with more asthma in children and adults. This was shown (for adults) by the Dutch research workers who discovered the role of the house dust mite and by others in many different parts of the world. In the UK Dr Sporik and others demonstrated it for children, with results published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Shampoo, steam clean, or beat non-washable carpets once a year. This removes large particles missed by the vacuum cleaner. Wash sheets in soapy water at 140 F every one or two weeks to kill all mites. Take blankets to the dry cleaner, hang them outdoors once a year, or wash them frequently. In the wintertime in Nebraska, the house, furniture (mattresses, overstuffed furniture), or bedding can be exposed to the outside cold for one or two days to kill the dust mites. Alternatively, a study has shown that using an electric blanket for eight hours every day reduced mites in mattress by 50% in one month. Another study documented that heating blankets in a clothes dryer for several hours killed mites. If this is done each month with one annual dry cleaning or wash, house dust mites can be held to a minimum. Cleaning and nontoxic approaches listed here should give adequate control, except in humid, tropical regions of the world.

Other insect pests in the home may contribute to allergies and mite populations so suppressing populations of fleas, cockroaches, and silverfish will minimize additional allergens in the home. Store grains and crackers in glass containers with good rubber seals that close by pressure. You may wish to store these containers in the freezer.

The humidity in the house should be kept below 70%. During humid times of the year, it might be useful to run dehumidifiers in bedrooms and/or particularly damp areas of the home. In addition, bathroom and laundry rooms can be vented to remove humid air to the outside with a fan.

Getting rid of allergy-inducing dust mites and other allergy-inducing constituent of dust is related to eliminating dust from the environment. The most important tool for managing house dust mites is the vacuum cleaner. Regular, thorough vacuuming of carpets, furniture, textiles and other home furnishings such as draperies will help keep dust mite populations low. Avoid wet mopping because it increases moisture in the air. Where wet mopping is necessary, as in kitchens and bathrooms, vacuum thoroughly first. Vacuums with a water filter are preferable to those with a disposable paper bag because a water vacuum removes a greater range of particle sizes than paper-bag types. There are a number of vacuums with highly efficient filters designed for use by people with allergies to dust. It is better to vacuum thoroughly once a week rather than lightly on a daily basis. Vacuum mattresses and padded furniture thoroughly; 20 minutes for each mattress is not too long. Dust furniture before you vacuum so the dust has time to settle on the floor, where the vacuum can pick it up. Special dust cloths or other cleaning implements that are treated chemically to hold rather than scatter dust may be helpful. You may also wish to use an electrostatic precipitator to help reduce small particles in the air.